Membership Selections Process - Frequently Asked Questions
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Must all candidates submit an “application” or nomination form to be considered for membership? |
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Since Mortar Board members are busy people, should the new member selection process be carried out in as short a time as possible? |
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Is using a high grade point average as the chapter minimum standard a good way to limit the candidate eligibility pool and upgrade the quality of the chapter? |
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Is the best way to promote Mortar Board membership to mail to each academically eligible candidate? |
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If I know a Mortar Board candidate would not be a good member or is misrepresenting herself/himself, should I say anything at the selection meeting? |
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If you can’t pay the membership fee, can you still join Mortar Board? |
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Can students studying off-campus (for example: those on international study programs, internships or students teaching assignments) and those who are graduating mid-year be considered for Mortar Board? |
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Are all chapters encouraged to select an honorary member each year? |
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Can new members be tapped immediately after selection? |
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What is "tapping"? |
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Where can I find examples or templates for materials needed for selections? |
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What are the national dues or fees? |
Must all candidates submit an “application” or nomination form to be considered for membership?
No. Many chapters use nomination forms and applications to aid in evaluating and selecting members. A sample of typical information included on a nomination form is included in the Membership Selection Handbook. Because selection to Mortar Board is an honor that is given, failure to complete or submit a nomination form or faculty recommendations CANNOT be a reason for non-consideration of a candidate.
Since Mortar Board members are busy people, should the new member selection process be carried out in as short a time as possible?
It takes time and care to do a thorough job of selecting new members. You should read the Membership Selection Handbook in the fall to prepare for the process. Your chapter should discuss the Selection by Consensus method outlined in the handbook thoroughly, and may wish to practice this method by using the sample selection activity. Please note that while the sample selection activity utilizes “blind” balloting, this method is NOT encouraged by Mortar Board as a national organization.
Is using a high grade point average as the chapter minimum standard a good way to limit the candidate eligibility pool and upgrade the quality of the chapter?
The scholarship requirement, according to Article I, Section 2 of the Mortar Board Bylaws, is the minimum grade point average representing the upper 35 percent of the junior class or a "B" average, whichever is higher on your campus. With the annual consent of the National Office, a chapter may raise its scholarship requirement. Limiting the candidate pool is not considered a valid reason for approving a GPA standard above the minimum. Keep in mind that raising the grade point average standard may eliminate potential members who are well-balanced in scholarship, leadership and service in favor of high academic performance. It also may systematically favor some groups/majors which tend to have high averages and work against other students.
Is the best way to promote Mortar Board membership to mail to each academically eligible candidate?
Mailing information to eligible candidates is a good way to spread the word about Mortar Board, but since no list is completely accurate, your chapter should use multiple methods. Try campus media, information tables, open houses, fliers, banners, displays (especially during Mortar Board Week), faculty/staff nominations and e-mail to announce that membership selection is approaching. Your chapter may decide that specialized approaches are needed to reach certain groups of students (for example, students abroad, commuting students, non-traditional students). The best way is a combination of methods to be sure that all eligible students are reached. Please make special efforts to publicize to students away from campus.
If I know a Mortar Board candidate would not be a good member or is misrepresenting herself/himself, should I say anything at the selection meeting?
In selection meeting discussion, all Mortar Board members are charged with confidential, affirmative appraisal of candidates. However, to maintain standards of scholarship, leadership and service, objective and constructive criticism may be allowed.
If you can’t pay the membership fee, can you still join Mortar Board?
Yes. The Mortar Board Bylaws (Article XII, Section 2) provide each chapter one gift initiation fee in case of financial need. The Coral V. Stevens Gift Membership may be awarded to one initiate or divided among several. The recipient(s) is (are) to be selected confidentially by the chapter president, chapter advisor or school administrator.
Can students studying off-campus (for example: those on international study programs, internships or students teaching assignments) and those who are graduating mid-year be considered for Mortar Board?
Yes. Academically eligible students in these categories are part of the candidate pool and should receive consideration. The Membership Selection Handbook, the Bylaws and your “people resources” (advisors, National Office and national leadership) can advise your chapter on questions related to these categories. Students who will be away from campus are discouraged from holding an office.
Are all chapters encouraged to select an honorary member each year?
Yes and no. Each chapter is allowed and encouraged to tap as many as three honorary members in an academic year (see Bylaws, Article I, Section 6 and Standing Rules 1, Q). Honorary membership may be conferred on a non-member who has made a significant contribution toward Mortar Board’s goals and purposes on the college/university and community or region. Approval is given by the National Office. No collegiate or recent Mortar Board graduates are eligible for honorary membership. Honorary membership can be approved at any time during the academic year but must be done at least four weeks before tapping.
Can new members be tapped immediately after selection?
No. Your chapter’s candidate list (OMR) must be approved by the National Office before tapping can occur. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for approval. Under no circumstances should tapping proceed before approval of the candidate list.
What is tapping?
Some of the most vivid memories Mortar Board alumni have are how they were tapped. This rich tradition began as long ago as 1892, years before Mortar Board’s official founding. The phrase “tapping” comes from the tradition that members were (and many still are) literally “tapped” by the mortarboard of a current member to signify that they have been selected for membership. Today, tapping ceremonies vary greatly on each campus, but continue to create lasting memories for new members. It is an important custom to make these ceremonies meaningful and welcome new members into Mortar Board with pride. A more detailed history, examples and ideas are available here.
Where can I find examples or templates for materials needed for selections?
Templates and examples of all items you need for Mortar Board can be found on the membership resources page of this Web site.
What are the national dues or fees?
The national dues for each member to join Mortar Board are $60. The local chapter may also charge additional
fees for operational purposes. Additionally, each chapter must pay a $150 conference fee each year to help offset the conference costs.
Have more questions? You may want to check our About Mortar Board FAQ, Chapter FAQ or contact a national representative.
